As a PR student these observations do cross over into the PR world, particularly what you said about a company’s image is reflected through those you do business with.

Very informative!

So you’re saying that if another organization is in any way religious or political, that a place like the Cincinnati Zoo shouldn’t partner with them?

Then would you also say that the Cincinnati Zoo should avoid partnerships or cross-promotion deals with gay-rights organizations, Xavior University (a Catholic school), or almost any of the local hospitals (all but I believe just one are Catholic-based)?

@theramannoodle – Thanks for sharing some insight into the museum (I have never been there)… I do know that there is a lot of debate about the museum, and I appreciate you sharing your perspective.

Even if they are both considered scientific, I would suggest that it is generally unwise for a publicly funded organization to create associations or promotions with religious or political groups. Most brands and corporations avoid both as they are bound to generate passionate responses on both sides which can have negative consequences for the brand.

- Krista

You said the zoo “is about science, biology and enjoying animals”; but that the Creation Museum “is a museum dedicated to the theory of creationism.” Have you been to the Creation Museum yet? In it, you’ll find excessive promotion of science, biology, and plenty about enjoying animals and all of creation (the Creation Museum also has a petting zoo, just like the Cincinnati Zoo does). The bookstore contains resources covering theology, children’s storybooks, toys, and like any other scientific place, plenty of indepth scientific books and videos (nearly all of them by real scientists who got their real PhDs from real universities).

To say this is science vs. religion is outright ignorance of the positions and science behind both interpretations of history.

But let me step back from the philosophical debate and approach the issue from another angle. Nearly every major city in America has its own zoo. These locations are good attractions for local residents, but I doubt you’d hear of families planning a vacation to an area specifically to visit its zoo.

However, the Creation Museum is totally unique and is bringing tourists from all over the nation and even the world. I would suspect that probably an even geographically larger population than the Cincinnati Zoo attracts. So the deal would seem that it would’ve benefited the zoo more than the Creation Museum.

Also consider that the majority of the bitter opposition to the deal came not from greater-Cincinnati citizens but from people outside of this area who don’t pay taxes here, who don’t spend money here, and who will probably never visit the Cincinnati Zoo anyway. And the zoo backed out of the partnership because of these people? Bad decision. Especially when you see local polling that supports the original combination ticket.

Finally, it seems many people are missing that this was only a holiday promotion because both locations will be providing special holiday events this year for families to enjoy. The zoo with its festival of lights, and the museum with its first-time “Walk through Bethlehem” event.

So while people are complaining about some churches being intolerant (and yes, the sad truth is that many churches and Christians aren’t living their lives according to the Bible and this can result in intolerance, among other problems), it’s sad to see people so upset over a community partnership like this.

Besides, no one was being forced to buy the combo tickets and visit the Creation Museum, nor were they being forced to visit the Cincinnati Zoo.